Mobility Troop - Bushmaster IMV

Several sources have indicated that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have, in May 2008, procured 24 Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMVs) for use with British special forces, specifically the SAS.

The Australian-built Bushmaster IMV is a fully enclosed and armoured troop carrier, specifically designed to protect against IEDs and mines. It is a stark contrast to the open design of the Landrover DPV or the more recently deployed Supacat HTM 400 vehicles. It is believed that the Bushmasters are earmarked for use by the SAS operating in Iraq. The SAS's role in Iraq is significantly different from the more traditional long range patrols to which the DPV and HMT 400s are more suited. Often working in urban areas, the SAS clearly need an enclosed armoured vehicle to move around in. The Bushmaster's deployment will increase the SAS's interoperability with American forces, who operate similar armoured vehicles.

The IMV's V-shaped hull is designed to deflect the blast of an explosion away from the crew and passenger compartments, greatly increasing their chance of surviving an IED or mine strike. The vehicle's armour protects against shrapnel and can withstand small arms fire up to and including 7.62mm ball. The armoured glass windscreen offers similar levels of protection.

The Bushmaster can accommodate a driver and up to 9 soldiers with provisions for air conditioning, cool drinking water system, personal weapons storage and a communications station. 4 Lockable roof hatches serve as potential firing ports and emergency escape routes.

Gun mounts on 1 front and 2 rear hatches allow for the mounting of light and medium machine guns such as GPMGs as well as 40mm HK GMG grenade launchers or HMGs. It is believed that the SAS Bushmasters are to be fitted with a remote firing system (RWS) which allows for a HMG to operated from inside the vehicle.

The Bushmaster can be transported into theatre in RAF C130 Hercules cargo planes.